Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Modern Languages (BA) (Full-Time, 2021 Entry)

If you would like to study at Warwick, there are other courses available for 2025 entry.

Explore our undergraduate courses for 2025 entry


UCAS Code
8R73

Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Duration
4 years full-time, normally including a year abroad

Start Date
27 September 2021

Department of Study
School of Modern Languages

Location of Study
University of Warwick


Studying Modern Languages (BA) will enable you to study two or three languages to degree level. We aim to equip you with excellent communication, research, critical and evaluative skills, all of which are highly sought after by employers.


Course overview

This flexible degree programme allows you to study two or three languages to degree level. Alongside your language study, you can develop a specialism in the culture of your major language and also have the opportunity to study thematic modules across cultures. (If you wish to divide your time equally between two languages and their associated cultures, a joint honours combination may be more suitable).

You can choose one of two different routes on this degree. On route one (two languages), you specialise in one language and culture, while studying a second language as a minor subject. On route two (three languages) you focus on two major languages and cultures, while taking a third language as a minor subject. In your first year you will select a culture module from one language.

On route one you can choose your major language from: French, German, Italian or Spanish. Your second language can be selected from: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish. 50% of your time will be devoted to language learning and the other 50% of your time will be spent studying cultural modules focused on your major language and/or selected from modules offered within the School.

On route two you can choose two languages from: French, German, Italian or Spanish. Your third language will be selected from: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish. 75% of your degree will be devoted to language learning and the remaining 25% of your time will be spent studying cultural modules focusing on one or more of your major languages.

We offer a wide range of modules within the School of Modern Languages and Cultures and the full range is open to you on both routes of this course. You’ll normally spend your second or third year abroad consolidating and enhancing your learning.


Course structure

Route one

In your first year you will take two language modules in your chosen major and minor languages and two modules focusing on the cultural contexts of one or more of the languages you are studying. Your first cultural module will focus on your major language. You have freedom of choice for your second cultural module, which could be focused on either your major or your minor language, or which might be selected from the range of modules offered across the School.

In your intermediate and final year you will continue to take two core language modules. You’ll take a further core module in your major language. You’ll select your other modules from the wide range of options available across the School. You’ll spend your second or third year abroad consolidating your learning.

Route two

In your first year you will take three language modules and one module focusing on the cultural contexts of one or more of the languages you are studying. Your cultural module can be a culture module associated with either of your two major languages (French, German, Italian or Hispanic Studies); or a translation studies module.

In each year of your degree you will take three core language modules. You’ll select your cultural modules from the wide variety of options available across the School.

You’ll spend your second or third year abroad consolidating your learning.


How will I learn?

We employ a variety of teaching styles, including: lectures; seminars and written and spoken language classes in small groups. You will spend the rest of your time studying independently, preparing for classes, reading and analysing materials set for study, writing essays and working on your language skills.


Class size

Seminars of around 15 students.


Contact hours

Approximately 14 hours per week.


How will I be assessed?

We will track your progress through a variety of methods, including language assignments, essays, presentations, portfolio submissions and examinations (written and oral). Throughout your course you will receive detailed, personalised feedback to help you to improve your skills. The final degree classification is determined by your intermediate- and final-year marks; each of these years contributes 50%.


Your year abroad

We strongly recommend that students take a year abroad, if they are able to. Students may move to a three-year degree if circumstances do not permit them to complete a year abroad. In such cases, there will be further language reinforcement work and students will be encouraged to spend time abroad in other ways, during vacation times.

You will usually spend your year abroad doing one of three things:

  • Working as a language assistant teaching English in a primary or secondary school
  • Studying full-time at a partner university in your chosen country
  • On a work placement

The year abroad options are flexible so we recommend you check the department's subject pages for more details.

General entry requirements

A level:

  • AAB to include A in a language
  • You must possess an A level in your first language choice (French/German/Italian/Spanish)

IB:

  • 36 to include 6 in a Higher Level language
  • You must be taking your first choice language (French/German/Italian/Spanish) at Higher Level

BTEC:

  • We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside an A level in their first language choice (French/German/Italian/Spanish)

Route one and two for BA Modern Languages

One of your languages must be post A level French, German, Italian or Spanish

Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner’s level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.

  • Arabic (see note below)
  • Chinese (see note below)
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese (see note below)
  • Russian (see note below)
  • Spanish
Chinese

Mandarin Chinese can be taken from beginner, intermediate or post A level (or equivalent) level maximum

Applicants with Mandarin Chinese language ability above this level, including native speakers, would not be able to study this language

Arabic, Japanese or Russian

These languages can usually only be taken at beginner’s level

If you have any prior learning of the language please contact smlc-ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying

Additional requirements:

You will also need to meet our English Language requirements.


International Students

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

Find out more about international entry requirements.


Contextual data and differential offers

Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in the Realising Opportunities programme, or who meet two of the contextual data criteria. Differential offers will be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer (to a minimum of BBB).


Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP)

All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).

Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.


Taking a gap year

Applications for deferred entry welcomed.


Interviews

We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.

Which pathway are you interested in?

Pathway One: study two languages and associated cultures

Pathway Two: study two languages and cultures, and a third language as a minor subject


Pathway One

Pathway One lets you study two languages and associated cultures.

Year One

You can choose one of the following languages for your first language:

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish

You can choose your second language from the following options:

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Russian

If you choose to study Arabic, Japanese or Russian, the course aims to bring you to B2 standard (CEFR) in this language which approximates to A level by the end of the degree. If you have any prior learning of the language please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying

If you choose to study Chinese, you will study to post-GCSE or post-A level (or equivalent) level maximum. This course is not suitable for applicants with language ability above this level, including native speakers.

You can choose a culture module connected to your chosen language. You can cover topics spanning politics, philosophy, literature, visual culture and history.

Either a culture module from Language 1 or Language 2. You can choose a culture module connected to your chosen language. You can cover topics spanning politics, philosophy, literature, visual culture and history.

Or a translation module


Intermediate year

This might be your second year or your third year, depending on when you choose to take your year abroad.

Continue learning your chosen language.

Continue learning your chosen language.

You can choose a culture module connected to your chosen language. You can cover topics spanning politics, philosophy, literature, visual culture and history.

You can choose a culture module connected to your chosen language. You can cover topics spanning politics, philosophy, literature, visual culture and history.


Year Abroad (Year Two or Three)

You do not have any core modules during your year abroad


Final Year

Continue learning your chosen language.

Continue learning your chosen language.

You can choose a culture module connected to your chosen language. You can cover topics spanning politics, philosophy, literature, visual culture and history.

You can choose a module from Language 1 or Language 2 if French, German, Spanish or Italian is your second language. This can be an outside option module. You can cover topics spanning politics, philosophy, literature, visual culture and history.

Pathway Two

Pathway Two lets you study two languages and cultures, and a third language as a minor subject.

Year One

You can choose one of the following languages for your first language:

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish

You can choose your second language from the following options:

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish

You can choose your third language from the following options:

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Russian

If you choose to study Arabic, Japanese or Russian, the course aims to bring you to B2 standard (CEFR) in this language which approximates to A level by the end of the degree. If you have any prior learning of the language please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying

If you choose to study Chinese, you will study to post-GCSE or post-A level (or equivalent) level maximum. This course is not suitable for applicants with language ability above this level, including native speakers.

  • Culture module from Language 1
  • OR Culture module from Language 2
  • OR a translation module

Intermediate year

This might be your second year or your third year, depending on when you choose to take your year abroad.

Continue learning your chosen language.

Continue learning your chosen language.

Continue learning your chosen language.

You can choose a culture module connected to your chosen language. You can cover topics spanning politics, philosophy, literature, visual culture and history.


Year Abroad (Year Two or Three)

You do not have any core modules during your year abroad


Final Year

Continue learning your chosen language.

Continue learning your chosen language.

Continue learning your chosen language.

You can choose a culture module connected to your chosen language. You can cover topics spanning politics, philosophy, literature, visual culture and history. This can be an outside option module.


Examples of optional modules/options for current students:

Explore our optional modules

Tuition fees

Find out more about fees and funding.


Additional course costs

There may be costs associated with other items or services such as academic texts, course notes, and trips associated with your course. Students who choose to complete a work placement or study abroad will pay reduced tuition fees for their third year.


Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021

We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021

Your career

This degree course was only recently introduced, so our first cohort of students have not yet graduated.

However, graduates from other Modern Language courses like this one have gone on to work for employers including:

  • Amazon
  • British Airways
  • Civil Service
  • Grayce Consulting
  • HM Revenue and Customs
  • HSBC
  • Ipsos Mori
  • Lidl
  • NBC Universal
  • Save the Children International
  • The Department for International Trade

They have pursued careers such as:

  • Business and financial project management professionals
  • Chartered and certified accountants
  • Financial accounts managers
  • Human resources and industrial relations officers
  • Management consultants and business analysts
  • Public services associate professionals
  • Teachers and other educational professionals

Helping you find the right career

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant to support you. They offer impartial advice and guidance, together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • What are you doing after Warwick? Career planning for final year language students
  • Careers in the Public Sector
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
  • Completing effective CVs and Application Forms for students from the School of Modern Languages
  • Reflecting on Your Year Abroad
  • Languages Alumni Evening

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.

Isabella, current student

"Friendly and easy to talk to"

"The department is incredible, they’re always on hand to help me whether it was with my year abroad queries or just general language-related issues. The best thing about them is that they’re really friendly and easy to talk to."

Isabella

BA Modern Languages

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2021 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.